As our loved ones age, the comfort and safety of their living space becomes increasingly important. Maintaining and enhancing personal mobility within their homes can greatly contribute to their quality of life, happiness and dignity. 

Often, this means making some changes around the home. And while some of our loved ones may be more resistant to change than others, letting them know that the changes will help them maintain their independence and mobility is generally a powerful motivation.

With that in mind, here are some options to consider when you’re ready to make some changes:

1. Declutter and Organize: While it’s often not as easy as it sounds, one of the most effective ways to improve mobility within a home is by decluttering and organizing the space. Remove unnecessary furniture (such as chairs that are rarely used) and obstacles that obstruct pathways. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and keep walkways clear to prevent tripping hazards. This not only makes getting around easier, but also reduces the risk of falls, which frequently cause injury and hinder mobility.
2. Grab Bars and Handrails: Installing grab bars and handrails in areas such as bathrooms (both toilets and showers), hallways and staircases provides much-needed support. They offer stability and assistance when moving around areas with potentially slippery floors and enable a great deal of independence when it comes to everyday activities like showering and using the bathroom. Make sure to install all accessories securely and make sure they’re ready to support the person’s full weight. Shower seats and slip-resistant bath mats are other enhancements that can make a senior’s life easier and more independent.
3. Mobility Aids: Consider investing in mobility aids such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to facilitate movement around the home. Tools should be suitable for the individual’s needs, abilities and personal preferences, and ensure they are properly adjusted and maintained. Additionally, installing ramps or stairlifts can help elderly individuals access different levels of the home with ease, promoting independence and mobility.
4. Better Lighting: It’s amazing what a change in lighting can do. A brighter bulb or a lamp moved from one side of the room to another can suddenly make visibility much better. Adequate lighting is especially crucial for seniors with limited mobility, as it helps them navigate their surroundings safely. Ensure that all areas of the home are well-lit, particularly staircases, hallways, and entryways. Use bright, energy-efficient bulbs and consider installing motion sensor lights to illuminate pathways automatically. Removing heavy curtains or blinds can also maximize natural light, further enhancing visibility within the home. And remember – a convenient way to turn lights on and off (or open and close blinds) will make it more likely that your loved one will take advantage of them.
5. Upgrade Flooring: Choose flooring materials that are safe and comfortable for elderly individuals to walk on. Opt for non-slip surfaces such as hardwood, laminate, or low-pile carpeting to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Consider how your flooring of choice will hold up to the use of a cane, walker or wheelchair, if applicable. Avoid using rugs or mats that can easily bunch up or slide, and secure them firmly to the floor, if necessary.
6. Install Assistive Technology: Take advantage of modern assistive technologies to further enhance mobility and safety within the home. We’ve come so far since the first “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial aired. Smart home devices such as voice-activated assistants, motion sensors, and emergency alert systems can provide added convenience and peace of mind for elderly individuals and their caregivers. These technologies can help monitor activity levels, detect falls, and summon assistance in the event of an emergency.
7. Make Stairs Easier: Stairs can be tiring even for healthy young adults, so it will absolutely be hard for elderly members of the family. If the home has everything necessary on one floor, stairclimbing can be minimized, which is the easiest way to make an accident less likely. If not, there are several companies offering stair lifts for residential properties. If you prefer, you can opt to rent a stairlift unit per month. That way, you don’t have to worry about it if your loved one does eventually need to be relocated to a nursing home or assisted living facility. For outdoor stairs or level changes within the house, consider building or installing ramps. Ramps are obviously a necessity for those in wheelchairs, but they are a safer and easier option for everyone!

Bonus Tip: Move Commonly-Used Items To Lower Cabinets And Shelves

You can positively impact your senior’s life without any remodeling at all simply by moving things around. If the kitchen cabinets are too tall to reach, move the items they use most often down to a level they can access. You don’t want them on a step ladder while they’re home alone! It’s generally a good idea to keep things in a similar location, just closer to their level. For example, if the Tupperware is too high (or too low), move them up to a drawer or the countertop. You don’t need to move them to a new area of the kitchen, just move them vertically. Keep in mind that bending down may be harder for your loved one, so avoid the temptation to move everything into the ground-level cabinets. If the home doesn’t have enough built-in storage that is accessible, pick up some new shelving units, storage units, or stylish boxes/bins to leave on the counter. You don’t need to move everything, just the items that your loved one uses all the time.

In conclusion, making an elderly person’s home more mobility-friendly involves a bit of planning, some simple modifications, and maybe a few lively conversations. By implementing the ideas mentioned above, you can quickly create a safer, more comfortable environment that promotes independence and enhances the overall quality of life for your loved ones. Whether it’s through decluttering, installing safety features, or leveraging assistive technologies, every effort counts towards ensuring that seniors can age in place with dignity and grace.